It’s not official yet, but the executive producer of The Glee Project told reporters today at the TCA press tour in Beverly Hills, that he’s confident Oxygen will renew the competition reality show for a second season.
“Talks have begun, and we’re planning, budgeting, and discussing how to do the casting process, which is the biggest thing, ” Michael Davies said. “It is not officially picked up, but having been through this, just based on the ratings growth we’ve seen … more than 100 percent in key demos … I feel incredibly confident that we are coming back, and this is certainly in my plans.”
The Glee Project winner will appear in a 7 episode arc in Glee next season. The producers have not decided exactly how the winner will be integrated into the show. It’s not even decided if they will be part of the Glee premiere.
However, if things go well, the part could be extended beyond the initial 7 episodes.
“Anything is possible in the world of Glee, ” said casting director Robert Ulrich. ”There is no guarantee, but it could be for more episodes. It could certainly be more if it takes off.”
Also, producers tell the Hollywood Reporter they will not be adding a live show/fan vote component to The Glee Project, “I selfishly like it this way because it’s more like the way show business is, ” Ulrich noted. “This is about ending up casting somebody on a television series. This isn’t just winning a prize. Ultimately, what really matters is what Ryan [Murphy] thinks. It’s not your typical thing. I can’t imagine it ever going with a live audience thing.”
Several of The Glee Project mentors and judges plus Top 6 contenders–Cameron (eliminated this week), Damien, Lyndsay, Hannah, Samuel and Alex–were on hand at the TCA panel to take questions from reporters. Here are a few highlights from tweeters, @TheGleeProject and @realityblurred:
Damien took a leave of absence from his group, Celtic Thunder to be part of the Glee project. “There’s nothing like Glee” he says. He almost wasn’t able to come because his visa didn’t come through until the last second.
Samuel tried out for American Idol season 9, but “didn’t like it very much”. He says the show is a great experience and that it teaches you so much.
Cameron confesses he was “a little naive” about acting he’d be expected to do, though he was aware of Glee’s sexuality.
Robert says the 7 episode arc is amazing. Some series regulars don’t even get that much. It’s “very realistic” for Hollywood casting process to have Ryan Murphy come in to make final Glee Project cuts.
Choreographer and Glee Project judge, Zach Woodlee, calls The Glee Project a type of “boot camp” to prepare everyone to be on Glee.
